Wedding Trivia

A selection of Wedding Trivia provided for local wedding magazines...

Did You Know?.....In the past Brides wore their best dresses when getting married, whatever the colour. Some did choose white as a symbol of purity and virginity and to ward off evil spirits, but it was not until Queen Victoria wore white at her wedding in 1840 (not silver as previous royal brides) that white became popular. Today pure white is less popular with ivory, creams, gold and deep reds being preferred.

Did You Know?.....During a marriage ceremony, the Bride always stands on the left. I have heard 2 explanations of this, the first of which seems far more reasonable!! Many years ago a groom would have to capture his Bride by kidnapping her. If the groom then had to fight off other men interested in his Bride or fight for her honour, he could hold his lady with his left hand keeping his right hand free to use his sword. The second explanation (which has to be thought up by a man!) is that your Bride goes on the side you walk your dog on!!! Now, who prefers the first option?.....

Did You Know?....There are several explanations of why a Bride wears a veil. It is believed the veil predates the wedding dress by centuries perhaps originating in the days when a groom threw a blanket over the head of his chosen woman as he captured her and carted her off!! Another traditional explanation is the veil was used to disguise the Bride to confuse evil spirits who were believed to attend marriages to cause mischief. The veil became popular in Britain in the eighteen hundreds and is now associated with modesty and chastity. In some Eastern ceremonies the veil is used to hide the Brides face until after the wedding ceremony. This is especially true for arranged marriages as by the time the veil is lifted, the couple are already committed to each other and it is too late for the Groom to run off if he doesn't like the look of her!

Did You Know?.....Confetti derives from pagan wedding rituals in which newlyweds were showered with rice or grain as a symbol of fertility. Rose petals were also scattered before the bride to ward off evil spirits. Today, dried flower petals, rice paper confetti and bubbles are all used and can look great on photographs.